Our Mission
About the Okuama Freedom Campaign
We are legal advocates, community voices, and human rights defenders demanding that the Nigerian military obey the law.
What Happened
The Story of Okuama
On March 14, 2024, soldiers of the Nigerian Army were ambushed and killed near Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. What followed was not justice, it was collective punishment.
The Nigerian military razed Okuama community to the ground. Homes, businesses, and community infrastructure were destroyed. Thousands of residents were displaced and forced to live in makeshift shelters. A government-completed secondary school stands empty, its doors shut, its desks never delivered, its students scattered.
A child died in a storm shelter because there was no medical facility within reach. The community that once stood has been erased.
The Arrests
On August 18–20, 2024, the army arrested Okuama’s community leaders, without warrant, without charge, without due process. They were taken to an undisclosed military facility and held incommunicado. No lawyers. No family contact.
Pa James Oghoroko, Age 80, Community President, Died in military custody. He was never charged with any offence. His family was not notified. His remains have not been returned.
“We demand one thing: Obey the court. Produce the detainees or release them. The rule of law is not optional.”
Who They Are
The Detainees
DIED IN MILITARY CUSTODY
Pa James Oghoroko
Community President. Age approximately 80 at time of arrest.
Pa Oghoroko was not a combatant. He was an 80-year-old community president who spent his life serving his people. Taken without charge in August 2024, he died in military detention without seeing a courtroom or saying goodbye to his family. His remains have not been returned to Okuama.
We demand the return of his remains. We demand justice for his death.
Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo
Professor of Physics, Delta State University, Abraka
President-General, Ewu Development Union
Detained Since Aug 2024
A Professor of Physics dedicated to the education of Nigerian scientists. While uncharged in a military cell, his eldest daughter died. He was not permitted to attend her funeral. He has not been allowed to grieve or see his family in over 600 days.
No charges. No trial. No access to family or legal counsel.
Chief Belvis Adogbo
Community Leader and Elder
Detained Since Aug 2024
A senior community leader arrested without warrant. No specific allegation has ever been filed. No charges. No access to family, doctors, or legal representation. Over 600 days of arbitrary detention without any legal process.
No charges. No trial. No access to family or legal counsel.
Dennis Amalaka
Community Leader
Detained Since Aug 2024
Arrested alongside the other community leaders. His family has received no information about his health for over two years. His lawyers have been denied access. No charge has ever been filed. No explanation for his continued detention has been given.
No charges. Health and condition unknown.
Mabel Owhemu
Community Leader – The Only Woman Detained
Detained Since Aug 2024The only woman among the detained community leaders, held in a military facility without charge since August 2024. Her family has had no access to her. Her detention raises specific and urgent concerns about her safety and dignity.
No charges. No access to family or legal counsel.
Legal Team
Who Is Fighting for Them
Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi
Lead Counsel – Okuama Freedom Campaign
Dr. Ekperusi filed the application that produced the Federal High Court production order. He has appeared at every court date, insisting on the rule of law against a military establishment that has repeatedly ignored judicial authority.
Supporting Organisations
- Urhobo Progress Union (UPU): Advocating for the rights of the Urhobo people
- Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council: Providing traditional authority support
- Human Rights Advocates: Civil society groups documenting the case
- Okuama Community in Diaspora: Raising international awareness
